Chapter 4
In Uncle Tom's cabin, his wife Chloe, whose cooking is renowned throughout the Shelby estate, is busily preparing the evening meal. Meanwhile, Tom's two small children are playing underfoot, and two other slaves are visiting in the cabin. George, Mr. Shelby's son, age 13, is instructing Tom in his writing lesson. After the meal, Tom holds his weekly prayer meeting, and George reads scripture, to the delight of all present.
Topic Tracking: Religion 1
Tom not only reads his Bible and leads prayer meetings, he implores everyone around him to follow the teachings of Christ. One of Tom's principal reasons for his piety is his belief that God will redeem earthly mortals who have suffered by giving them glory in the afterlife.
Meanwhile, in the Shelby home, Mr. Shelby signs the bills of sale and gives them to Haley, asking him to promise that Tom does not end up in cruel hands. Haley assures Mr. Shelby that he will do his best to sell Tom to a kind master.
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